WATCH: Kindiki Shuns Umbrella to Brave the Rain with Maai Mahiu Survivors

The event took place during a ceremony where the Deputy President was representing the national government in issuing title deeds and relocation grants to residents affected by flooding that occurred on the night of April 29, 2024.

The floods had previously displaced dozens of families and resulted in multiple deaths.

As Kindiki continued with his prepared remarks, heavy rain began to fall. One of his security officers attempted to hold an umbrella over him.

Kindiki declined the protection and instructed the aide to leave the umbrella to cover members of the crowd instead.

During the downpour, he addressed the residents with the following remarks:

“Wachana na hiyo. Fire si fire! Ukinipatia mavuli na wananchi nao? Kama mwananchi ananyeshewa si hata sisi tunyeshewe… Hii mvua haiwezi ua mtu, si mvua ni Baraka jameni,” he said.

Kindiki’s speech continued in the wet conditions, with sections of the audience cheering.

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In his address, the Deputy President outlined components of the government’s response to the 2024 flood disaster.

He confirmed that the Government allocated land away from the flood path for families whose homes were destroyed.

He said both groups — those whose homes were swept away and those whose rented premises were destroyed — had been provided with land and cash tokens for basic construction materials to support resettlement efforts.

Kindiki also stated that the new settlement area had land set aside for future development of a school, a health centre, and other amenities to serve relocated families.

The Deputy President presided over the issuance of title deeds and relocation grants on behalf of President William Ruto, who was not in attendance.

Officials who accompanied him at the event included Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, and Nakuru County leaders led by Governor Susan Kihika.

After the title deed issuance, Kindiki continued to preside over a resource mobilisation event aimed at providing working capital to local groups, including 39 small trader groups from the Mahi Mahiu area and 18 groups from the Longonot area.